THE Royal British Legion is urging Worcestershire to support the "lifeblood" of ex-servicemen and women by becoming a collector for the 2003 Poppy Appeal.
Last year's nationwide campaign raised £21.1m, which helped care for veterans, represent pensions appeal cases at tribunals and investigate war-related illnesses. The Legion is hoping to raise even more this time around.
Collectors are usually relatives and friends of those in the armed forces, or war veterans themselves.
However, as each year passes and fewer ex-servicemen and women are able to take part in the appeal, so the numbers of "poppy people" have dwindled.
And the Royal British Legion is asking new collectors to come forward and give just two hours a week during the three-week campaign.
"We are very lucky to have good community support in Worcester generally," said Dickie Valentine, chairman of the Legion's Claines branch.
"In Claines alone we raised more than £16,000 last year, largely because we have a great relationship with the schools and local churches.
"But it would be absolutely wonderful if we could get more people involved in the appeal. We are grateful for any support and it is so important to look after the ex-servicemen and women."
The Poppy Appeal is officially launched later this month, and lasts for three weeks up to Armistice Day, November 11.
"It is the most important time of year for raising funds, which are crucial to many who have left the services and need the help of Legion care homes," said Mr Valentine.
"The more people who come forward the more we are able to help them."
The Royal British Legion provides financial, social and emotional support to millions who have served in the armed forces, as well as their dependants.
Last year's Poppy Appeal helped:
Answer more than 300,000 calls fo help.
Give 4,200 ex-servicemen and women a trip to one of the Legion's welfare centres.
Represent 6,900 pensions appeal cases at tribunal.
Look after 400 people in Legion care homes.
Provide funding for 70 new businesses, helping nearly 3,000 people find work.
Campaign for War pensions Disregards, noise-induced hearing loss and a public enquiry into Gulf War-related illnesses.
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